Kirk scores 23 points to lead No. 25 New Mexico over No. 24 UNLV

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alex Kirk had 23 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 25 New Mexico to a 65-60 win over No. 24 UNLV on Wednesday night in the Mountain West opener for both teams.

Justin Hawkins hit a 3-pointer with 3:25 left to cap a 7-0 UNLV run that gave it a 58-56 lead. Then New Mexico (14-2, 1-0) took over, closing the game on a 9-2 run.

Kendall Williams hit a 3-pointer with 2:09 left to put New Mexico up for good at 60-58. The Lobos, however, struggled from the line down the stretch, at one point going 3 for 8 to give the Rebels (13-3, 0-1) life. Trailing 63-60, UNLV's Katin Reinhardt's 3-pointer caromed off the front of the rim with 13.5 seconds left and Tony Snell made both free throws to finally clinch it for the Lobos.